Since the first-generation Jeep Wranglers came into production they were focused on being used as an adventurous vehicle.
The greatest problem with any Jeep Wrangler especially if you are planning a long offroad trip is storage capacity, some models even have a minuscule 203 dm³/12387.8 in³ luggage compartment (less than half that of a VW T-Cross and almost a third that of a Toyota RAV4).
With the lack of storage inside the Wrangler, the next best option is to tow a trailer. But before you go looking for a trailer, just how much can a Jeep Wrangler Tow?
In this article, we’re going to find out. Let’s get started.
How Much Can a Jeep Wrangler Tow?
It ranges from 2000lb up to 7650lb (907kg up to 3470kg), it all depends on the chassis models, wheelbase length, and engine size of those models.
As you can see there’s a big difference so it is of utmost importance that you know what Jeep Wrangler you have and how much it can tow.
We are going to look into each chassis model and see what their towing capacity is.
How Much Can a Jeep Wrangler YJ Tow?
Due to the short 93.4 inches (2372 mm) wheelbase, the Jeep Wrangler YJ has a towing capacity of 2000lb (907kg).
The Jeep Wrangler YJ was in production from 1986 to 1995 and was only available as a 2 door. Some people don’t see the first 2 years of production as Wranglers since in those years it was produced by AMC and not Chrysler.
How Much Can a Jeep Wrangler TJ Tow?
The TJ had the same problem as the YJ with a short wheelbase of 93.4 inches, the Jeep Wrangler TJ has a towing capacity of 2000lb (907kg).
The Jeep Wrangler TJ was in production from 1996 to 2006 and was also only available as a 2 door. An interesting tidbit is you can buy a locally sold right-hand drive model in America, these right-hand drive models were used by the postal services.
How Much Can a Jeep Wrangler JK Tow?
With the addition of the 4 door variant, the Jeep Wrangler now had 2 towing ratings.
With a short wheelbase of 95.4 inches (2423 mm), the Jeep Wrangler JK 2 door has a towing capacity of 2000lb (907kg).
With the long-wheelbase 116 inches (2946mm), the Jeep Wrangler JK 4 door has a towing capacity of 3500lb (1587kg).
The Jeep Wrangler JK was in production from 2007 to 2018, this was the first Jeep Wrangler model that was available as a 4 door. What is also interesting is it was the second model (the TJ model was the first) that was also assembled in Cairo, Egypt under the AAV (Arab American Vehicles) manufacturer.
How Much Can a Jeep Wrangler JL Tow?
With a short wheelbase of 96.8 inches (2459 mm), the Jeep Wrangler JL 2 door has a towing capacity of 2000lb (907kg).
With a long wheelbase of 118.4 inches (3007 mm), the Jeep Wrangler JL 4 door has a towing capacity of 3500lb (1587kg).
The Jeep Wrangler JL started production in 2018, this is the first factory-fitted V8 Jeep Wrangler in production and also the first Jeep Wrangler to be built in India under the FIAL (FCA India Automobiles Private Limited) name.
How Much Can a Jeep Gladiator JT Tow?
The normal Jeep Gladiator JT has a towing capacity of 4000lb (1814kg).
The Jeep Gladiator JT with the heavy-duty towing package has a towing capacity of 7650lb (3470kg).
The Jeep Gladiator is the newest chassis range of the Wrangler, it is seen as a separate model but it is based on the Wrangler JL. Did you know the Gladiator name wasn’t used for over 30 years by Jeep? Weirdly enough you can’t get the Jeep Gladiator with a factory-fitted V8 as of yet.
The Gladiator has 2 chassis variants: the normal and the heavy-duty towing package.
Note: The diesel variants have a lower towing capacity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Jeep Wrangler Tow 5000 lb?
Only the Jeep Gladiator with the heavy-duty towing package can do it safely.
Any Wrangler can in an emergency, yes but not for long distances or extreme inclines and downhills, in all cases, it is a bad idea to ignore the factory-recommended tow ratings.
Is a Jeep Wrangler a Good Tow Vehicle?
For the market, it is designed to have an acceptable towing rating.
The short wheelbase models I won’t recommend as a daily towing vehicle, short wheelbases don’t give you as a driver a lot of confidence while towing and can feel unsettled most of the time.
For normal camp-related/vacation towing the Jeep Wrangler is a really good tow vehicle.
Can You Tow At Max Capacity?
Yes, usually manufacturers will make the max towing capacity lower than what the chassis can handle, this is to prevent the chassis from breaking or bending in certain extreme conditions, like offroading. So there is no harm in being at the max towing capacity.
Can I Tow More Than My Towing Capacity?
There is a yes and no to this, yes for short off-road situations and no for long distances, and here is why.
If the trailer or towed object weighs more or doesn’t have a trailer braking system you will be more prone to experience a jack-knife situation.
This is when the towing vehicle is incapable of slowing down the object being towed, thus under braking, the towed object will start pushing the towing vehicle.
This is a very dangerous situation that can cause the towing vehicle to flip or drive into other vehicles, oncoming traffic, or off the road.
Towing above the recommended weight can also lead to chassis, drivetrain, and engine damage.
Final Thoughts on the towing capabilities of Jeep Wranglers
With your next adventure or towing trip hopefully, this article will help you choose the right trailer/camper choice to tow behind your Jeep Wrangler.
Luckily it is quite easy to remember that all the 2 door Jeep Wrangler models are capped at a towing capacity of 2000lb (907kg) and all the 4 door models are capped at 3500lb (1587kg) and only the Gladiator is different with a towing max of 4000lb (1814kg) for the non-towing package and 7650lb (3470kg) with the towing package.
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